Nigeria Wike Issues Two-Week Ultimatum to Maitama Landowners Over C-of-O Payments

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, has given 762 landowners in Maitama II District a two-week deadline to pay for their Certificates of Occupancy. Failure to comply by January 3, 2025, will result in the final revocation of their land titles, including those of prominent officials.

Nyesom Wike, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, has granted a two-week extension to 762 landowners in the Maitama II District, including prominent individuals such as former Chief Justice Walter Onnoghen, Speaker Tajuddeen Abass, and Secretary George Akume. The deadline to settle payments for their Certificates of Occupancy (C-of-O) is now January 3, 2025. Failure to make payments by this date will result in the final revocation of their land titles.

The FCT Administration previously published a list of 3,273 landowners who failed to settle their C-of-O payments by October 5, 2024. A two-week grace period was offered, and 2,511 landowners complied. However, 762 individuals, including Onnoghen, Abass, and Akume, still have outstanding payments.

A statement from Wike’s Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications, Lere Olayinka, clarified that the government’s primary focus is not to revoke land but to encourage the settlement of unpaid C-of-O fees. While many landowners have shown willingness to pay, the minister emphasized that the government’s goal is to ensure that all payments are made.

The fresh two-week grace period is intended to allow defaulters the opportunity to settle their bills. After January 3, 2025, there will be no further extensions, and the land titles of those who fail to comply will be permanently withdrawn, in line with the provisions of the Land Use Act of 1978.